For the past few decades, Dominique Jean Larrey’s field medical evacuation system has served SWAT teams well in the form of Tactical Emergency Medical Support and many tactical teams won’t deploy without them.

Larrey was a surgeon serving in Napoleon Bonaparte’s Army and is recognized for the first modern field medical evacuation system in use by combat units.

The system provided medical personnel to treat combat casualties and evacuated them from the battlefield with the use of horse-drawn carriage to waiting medical personnel behind battlefield lines.

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'Paint it black and call it tactical' no longer works. So what really qualifies now in the category of must-have tactical tools for police officers?

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Today’s TEMS Officer
The system has developed over time with the advancement of medical training and medical equipment, and it’s safe to say Larrey would probably be astonished at today’s TEMS officer and the available tactical medical equipment at his disposal.

TEMS personnel have the ability to provide an incredible level of pre-hospital medical support that would make a Vietnam-era medic envious.

Today’s TEMS officer has an advanced assortment of pre-hospital gear and they also have to be just as equipped as any SWAT operator so they can function inside a tactical environment as well as his SWAT counterparts.

If you’re thinking of starting or adding a TEMS unit to your SWAT team or perhaps you’re an individual interested in becoming a TEMS operator, don’t take this lightly when selecting and purchasing your gear.

The TEMS operator needs to be well-equipped to provide quality medical support to an injured SWAT officer — saving money when choosing support supplies is not an option. You must choose products that are battle tested and of high quality.

Before you select and purchase medical gear, you’re going to need to purchase uniforms and gear that any other SWAT officer utilizes. SWAT team equipment lists are very different from agency to agency.

The best way to figure out what you’re going to need is to speak with your SWAT commanders and get an equipment list. Sometimes the best source for equipment selection is from your future SWAT team members. They will give you good information on what brands to purchase and what not to purchase.

Most importantly, don’t break open the little pink piggy bank before you speak with these guys! It’s common for SWAT puppies to run home and purchase all that is black and tactical upon learning of their selection to the team.

A Basic Equipment List
The following is a basic equipment list which SWAT officers typically use. The TEMS operator will need to gear up with the same tactical gear as his comrades. This list is universal and can apply to most situations.

Your department policy is the best source of reference for uniform and equipment specs. This list is also a basic starting point which can be expanded upon as you develop your skills and preferences. No doubt, many of your agencies will require or suggest more, so take this list at face value.

Adding Medical Gear
Now that you are as geared up as SWAT officer, picking the medical gear is next. The tactical medical gear that a TEMS officer may choose to use is subjective to brands and various types.

The TEMS officer may choose to wear various platforms, such as a back pack, thigh rigs, and carry bags to achieve readiness.

The following items are merely a basic but comprehensive list of tactical medical gear that the TEMS officer should maintain and have at his disposal. This list can be customized and expanded to fit your agencies needs and policies.

This first list of items may be worn on the tactical vest using various pouches, to provide easy access.

The last list is very comprehensive and the many items will take up a great deal of storage space so a well thought out carry bag is suggested. This bag may be customized as needed or to fit your agencies operating guidelines. The kits as listed below are in themselves are comprehensive and will be customized to your agencies needs and policies.

Before You Buy Anything
The TEMS operator has a great deal of responsibility and can directly influence the loss of life for an injured SWAT operator. But having all this gear and some basic knowledge doesn’t qualify you as a TEMS operator yet.

First, you must first seek out a reputable and qualified TEMS course prior to being deployed with your SWAT team. Upon graduation from a TEMS course, the TEMS operator will be a valuable asset to any tactical team and police agency.

Stay safe,
Sgt. Glenn French

About the author

Glenn French, a retired Sergeant with the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Police Department, has 24 years police experience and served as the Team Commander for the Special Response Team, and supervisor of the Sterling Heights Police Department Training Bureau. He has 16 years SWAT experience and also served as a Sniper Team Leader, REACT Team Leader, and Explosive Breacher.